Well, I personally do prefer Athens over Clemson, but that's mostly because Clemson is just so tiny. But I have a major personal bias against Clemson because my BIL went there and we have beef, so I acknowledge that is my issue.
Athens is fine, I just don't see why it always gets "best college town ever" all the time. I think it's coasting on its rep from the music scene in the 90s, which doesn't really exist anymore. Now the bars are just..bars.
I also don't think the campus is that pretty, and it bothers me that it's kind of spread out and undefined.
I know y'all hate me for this, but I do think Gainesville is a better college town than Athens. I get why y'all don't like Gainesville though.